PADAWAN: The new Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) building in Semenggok will begin construction at the end of the year.
MPP chairman Lo Khere Chiang said the project was still in the planning and design process as well as to review its budget.
“We will also have to do a briefing of the project with the Premier (Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg) and Deputy Premier (Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian).
“Only then, work can begin. In terms of funding, currently we are looking into the budget, so we will have to wait for our midterm review,” said Lo when met by the media after the Chinese New Year 2023 celebration at MPP in Kota Padawan on Friday (Feb 3).
He hoped that the project could move once a consultant had been appointed and the design finalised.
He added that when MPP moves into its new building, the old building could be turned into a commercial premises.
“We haven’t thought about it, but it could possibly be turned into a commercial building or an educational institution.
“The building has a lot of spaces for a lot of activities. It would be good to turn the building into a useful facility for folk here.”
Lo added that MPP could also generate income from renting out building spaces at the same time help finance the phase two of the project.
In August last year, Dr Sim said that RM60mil would be allocated by the Sarawak government for the construction of the new MPP building.
He added that the new MPP headquarters would be built on a 20-acre site in Semenggok, Mile 12, Kuching-Serian Road.
